-- Joan Brooks

You've asked a very important question about temperature levels for parrots. I have had the good fortune to see parrots in their native habitat on several continents. Almost all of these places have been very hot and humid, generally around 85 to 95 degrees and about 95 percent humidity. The wild parrots are most active in the early morning and the late evening. During the heat of the day they are usually found napping in large shady trees. It's not uncommon to see them panting like your nanday. I live in Florida where summers also are very hot and humid. Many of the birds in my collection are outside and have no air-conditioning. I often see them panting during the heat of the day, just like they would if there were in the wild.

Panting in parrots (and many other animals) is like sweating in humans. It is their way of expending heat. Panting is not necessarily a bad thing, it just means the bird is hot and needs to cool down. However, panting (just like sweating in humans) also can be a sign of some physical problem. If you ever suspect this, take the bird to an avian veterinarian right away.

Fans that move the air in a house will help keep birds cool. Misting has some cooling effect, especially if you mist the bird's feet or beak. However, misting the feathers can actually make them heavy and more difficult to lift to allow air to flow to the skin. I always let my birds tell me if they want a bath by misting one area of the cage and seeing if they walk into it.

The most important thing you can do when the mercury's rising it to keep your birds out of direct sunlight. Make sure they have access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times.

While we are on the topic of weather, maybe I should mention something about cold weather, too. I've known many people who keep parrots outside in very cold temperatures, even below freezing. They all say their birds have never had a problem with it. It's true that parrots gradually introduced to freezing temperatures can tolerate them. I can tolerate them, too - but I sure don't like it. My policy with my birds is that anytime the temperature drops below 50 degrees (yes it does get cold in Florida) I turn on the heat lamps. The birds can get in or out of the lamp's heat as they choose.

I always let nature be my guide when considering questions about a bird's care or management. I try to avoid putting birds in temperature extremes that they would not normally experience in their native habitat.

World-renowned animal trainer Steve Martin established one of the first free-flight bird shows in the country at the San Diego Wild Animal Park in 1976. His international consulting company, Natural Encounters, Inc., now helps zoos all over the world train all types of animals using positive reinforcement.

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